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to submerge your body into.. We were elated but the troops could only ‘celebrate’ silently since we were still ‘clandestine’. I set up a perimeter with 50% security while the men filled their canteens—using their ‘ halazone tablets’ ( water purification ) to kill whatever germs may be in the water. We had been hot, dry and very thirsty—now we were cooler, wet and satiated with cool mountain water. The water appeared to emanate from a spring but we couldn’t be sure—it was probably safe to drink but we couldn’t take that chance—the troops didn’t seem to mind as they drank water to their heart’s content. We established our security to permit these Marines an opportunity to wash off downstream from where our drinking water was obtained. The spirit of these Marines jumped a thousand degrees! We had cool, fresh water—we were rested—we were cool and we were clean—there wasn’t too many times we could say that on this extended patrol. The cold water felt good on my bee stings!
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